WASHINGTON (AP) - In some ways, the preseason opener between the New England Patriots and Washington Redskins is very much an afterthought.

For the regulars, the real work has already been accomplished. The teams went head-to-head over three days of joint practices this week at the Redskins training camp facility, running drills for nearly every scenario one might face in a game.

Both coaches say those sessions are more valuable for the starters than the modicum of playing time the first-teamers will get on Thursday.

Among those who probably won't play is Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson, who limped off the field during a drill Wednesday and had his left ankle iced and wrapped. Washington coach Jay Gruden says Jackson "got cleated" and "twisted his ankle just a hair."